What is Prayer?

What Prayer is Not

Prayer is Not Informing God - Psalm 139:1-3

Psalm 139:1–3 NIV

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

God is all-knowing

He knows our character

He knows our thoughts

He know our every activity

Prayer is Not Convincing God - Isaiah 40:13-14

Isaiah 40:13–14 NIV

Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?

Two Problems:

It assumes that God’s decision is not the right decision

It assumes that we need to convince God to do what is right

Prayer is Not Changing God’s Decisions - 1 Samuel 15:29

1 Samuel 15:29 NIV

He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”

Prayer is Not Saying the Magic Words - Matthew 6:7

Matthew 6:7 NIV

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

What is Prayer?

Prayer is God’s means of Provision Through Relationship with Him - John 15:7

John 15:7 NIV

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

God could provide for us without our asking, since He is all-knowing

We would think we provided for ourselves and take the credit

We would become entitled

We would lose the benefits of a relationship with God

Prayer is our means of coming to a greater understanding of God - Jeremiah 33:2-3

Jeremiah 33:2–3 NIV

“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Prayer is the way to forgiveness and healing - 2 Chronicles 7:14-16

2 Chronicles 7:14–16 NIV

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.